Score: UC Davis 70, Sacramento State 67 (OT)
Location: Sacramento, Calif. (Hornet Pavilion)
Records: UC Davis 4-2, Sacramento State 5-2
Game Summary
In an exhilarating overtime clash, the UC Davis women’s basketball team triumphed over arch-rival Sacramento State, securing a 70-67 victory on Monday, November 24. Ryann Bennett led the Aggies with a career-high of 25 points, marking yet another milestone in her evolving season.
Key Highlights
- This victory extends UC Davis’s winning streak against Sacramento State to eight games, dating back to 2016.
- The match was notable as it marked the fourth overtime encounter in the historical rivalry, with UC Davis now boasting a 3-1 record in overtime against Sacramento State.
- Bennett’s performance was complemented by Emmy Ersdala, who also set a career high with 11 points, alongside double-digit contributions from Avery Sussex (15 points) and Nya Epps (10 points).
- Free throw opportunities were notable, with the Aggies capitalizing on 21 attempts, while the Hornets managed only 12 free throws throughout the game.
Coach’s Remarks
“It was a tremendous win for our team. This game had everything you would expect in a rivalry game: big plays by both teams, and it came right down to the wire. I was so proud of our team. I felt like every time we needed a big play, whether it was on defense or offense, somebody stepped up. We’re still a young team, we’re learning how to play through adversity and how to win, and I thought today we did a great job of just finding a way, and we came up with a big win for our team,” said head coach Jennifer Gross.
The Game’s Progression
The matchup began with Bennett hitting a three-pointer just 30 seconds in, setting the tone for the Aggie offense. After a strong start, the Hornets took a 16-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The Aggies quickly regrouped in the second quarter, fueled by a three-pointer from Sussex that ignited an 11-0 scoring run, allowing them to reclaim the lead briefly. Sac State responded, reducing UC Davis’s lead to just one point (23-22) at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Hornets regained momentum through several three-pointers, while UC Davis maintained its competitive edge, culminating in Bennett scoring the final five points of the period to keep the game tight, entering the fourth quarter down by just three points (37-40).
The fourth quarter showcased an offensive surge from both teams, combining for 47 points. Bennett’s consistent scoring allowed the Aggies to take a lead, pushing it to nine points at one stage. However, a late rally by Sacramento State tied the game at 62-62, bringing the game into overtime.
During the overtime period, with the Aggies in the bonus, they converted on crucial free throw opportunities, scoring six of their first eight points from the line and maintaining a solid defensive stance that limited the Hornets to just five points overall in overtime.
Next Steps for the Aggies
The UC Davis women’s basketball team will next participate in the Tiger Turkey Tip-Off in Stockton, competing against Jacksonville State on Friday, November 28, followed by a matchup against Milwaukee on Saturday, November 29. Both games are set to tip off at 1:00 p.m. PT and will be available for streaming on ESPN+ and KDVS 90.3 FM.
